Dell Moves Fluid Data Architecture Forward with Latest Advances in Storage Efficiency, Performance and Protection

Dell today unveiled a series of end-to-end storage portfolio updates designed to advance the Fluid Data architecture and to help customers further optimize data at every point in its lifecycle.

“The nature of IT and what a data center should do for an organization is changing rapidly as customers face multiple and often competing models of how technology is delivered — from client to cloud to converged,” said Christopher Papa, country manager, Dell Philippines. “Dell is best positioned with an end-to-end storage architecture that can optimize data at every point in its lifecycle through intelligence and automation. Dell’s Fluid Data Architecture enables new capabilities that power the data center, so customers can drive real business results.”

New Dell Compellent and PowerVault MD3 Software Increases Performance and Automation

Dell Compellent Storage Center 6.3 array software unveiled today offers enhanced scalability and performance for Dell Compellent arrays. Compellent SC8000 controllers with Storage Center 6.3 software can increase performance up to 100 percent over previous versions when running enterprise workloads.¹Additionally, with this release, Dell is the first storage provider to announce end-to-end 16Gb Fibre Channel capability — from server to switch to storage — doubling bandwidth and speeding access to business critical applications and data.

Designed for medium to large enterprises and cloud computing, Dell Compellent arrays offer best in class automated tiering, advanced data protection and superior ease of use. These features combine with a highly scalable, modular design that enables users to update storage software at no additional cost and easily expand without requiring a “rip and replace” of their existing infrastructure. According to a new IDC White Paper, commissioned by Dell, Compellent installations had almost twice as long a productive life span than non-Dell storage solutions with organizations replacing Compellent every 6.9 years compared to 3.5 years for their other storage environments.²

Additional enterprise enhancements from Storage Center 6.3 announced today include:

·         Synchronous replication enhancements that can improve resiliency for data recovery and provide multi-site replication flexibility designed to reduce recovery time and recovery point objectives;

·         Expanded Microsoft integration with new Windows Server 2012 support;

·         Enhanced security and reduced administration time with Active Directory and LDAP support that automates and integrates Compellent storage with a corporate directory to enable a single authentication and authorization process for granting access;

·         Improved federal government security by supporting USGv6/IPv6 requirements for a wide range of available IP addresses; and,

·         The ability to intelligently alert and recommend placement of volumes across multiple arrays based on proactive performance and capacity monitoring.

New Dell PowerVault MD3 software enhancements offer enhanced data protection, performance, capacity and virtualization capabilities while designed to maintain up to 99.999 percent availability for these affordable, high performance arrays.

Data protection enhancements include dynamic disk pools that simplify disk management and improverebuild performance by distributing data across all drives, decreasing significant recovery time of drive failures. In addition to current Fibre Channel replication capabilities, new IP-based remote asynchronous replication protects against site failures, improves application speeds, and increases distance support.

New PowerVault MD3 software application integration and efficiency capabilities include VMware vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI) support, which allows customers to offload certain storage related tasks from the server to PowerVault arrays. New thin provisioning capabilities enable arrays to automaticallyallocate storage as needed for simplified and cost-effective expansion of capacity.

Dell Boosts Data Protection Portfolio to Simplify Data Backup and Recovery

Dell’s growing data protection portfolio enables customers of all sizes to attain unmatched data and application protection and recovery capability times for virtual, physical and cloud environments.  Dell provides complete backup, replication and recovery solutions designed to maximize data efficiency, improve IT agility and help ensure business resiliency. Additions to the Dell data protection portfolio include:

·         Dell PowerVault DL4000 — Optimized for small to medium enterprises and remote offices, the first backup appliance based on Dell AppAssure software provides a fast and complete backup and disaster recovery solution for business-critical applications and data with seamless integration of software and system management. With 5.5 terabytes of internal storage capacity, this 1U turnkey appliance offers established snapshot, replication, de-duplication and compression software for efficient use of backup capacity. Users can benefit from hosting two virtual standby machines that protect critical applications for up to two servers, offering quick disaster recovery. 

·         Quest NetVault Backup 9.0 — New Quest data protection software integrates with NetVault Extended Architecture (NetVault XA), featuring a new graphical user interface and a set of shared services to unite multiple Quest data protection technologies for simpler management. The software enables mid- to large-sized organizations to simplify data protection while protecting critical applications in physical and virtualheterogeneous environments. NetVault’s cross-platform capabilities are expanded to Windows Server 2012 and Novell Open Enterprise Server 11, while Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V and VMware vSphere^®enhancements offer improved functionality, performance and scalability. The addition of native replication to the NetVault SmartDisk deduplication solution helps streamline offsite data storage and disasterrecovery.

·         Dell PowerVault DL2300 — New enterprise-class data protection appliance combines Dell PowerEdge 12th generation servers with CommVault Simpana 9 modern data protection software to offer large enterprises with data backup, recovery, replication, archiving and de-duplication for both physical and virtual servers in one easy-to-set-up, pre-tested solution. The new appliance incorporates latest generation processor and memory capabilities to optimize de-duplication database configurations for higher backup performance. Users can save administrative time with built-in, policy-based automation for managing backup and archiving.

Additional Quotes:

“Dell Compellent storage plays a critical role in our IT infrastructure, and we continue to look forward to new enhancements and features that help us meet enterprise level storage demands,” said Dan Marbes, Lead Systems Engineer, Associated Bank. “The opportunity to gain up to two times the performance when running our applications means faster access to important information when our users need it. We are also eagerly anticipating the integration of Active Directory authentication to more efficiently manage access to these resources.”

“We've relied on AppAssure for recovery and peace of mind for years on a variety of storage platforms,” said Michael Rapp, information security officer, Center for Information Technology in Education, College of Education, University of Houston. “Dell’s integration of this data protection software into a purpose-built platform could make it even easier for customers to deploy an AppAssure-optimized solution with a minimal amount of set up and configuration work.”

Availability:

·         Dell Compellent Storage Center 6.3 has planned availability for beta in early 2013 and general availability in Q2 2013.

·         Dell PowerVault MD3 software enhancements and Dell PowerVault DL2300 are now available.

·         Dell Quest NetVault Backup 9.0 has planned availability in the coming months.

·         Dell PowerVault DL4000 has planned availability in Q1 2013.

Additional Information:

·         Dell Storage Forum Online Press Kit holds solution details, images, videos and more.

·         Dell Storage Forum on Twitter

·         Dell Storage Forum on Facebook

Dell showcases new XPS 12

Dell is helping customers touch the future with a refreshed portfolio of consumer PCs built for Microsoft Windows 8,designed to provide a more intuitive computing experience and address evolving customer desires. Dell’s new systems deliver on the promise of new advances in computing: a leading-edge and intuitive touch experience, the security and manageability required by today’s always-on pace and the design aesthetic, style and precision workmanship customers demand.

Today Dell unveiled powerful addition to its industry-leading XPS brand of computers. Joining the award-winning XPS 13 Ultrabook, and the XPS 14 and XPS 15 laptops, the new XPS 12 Ultrabook enable both consumer and business customers to do more with their technology – from multimedia, entertainment and creation to full business productivity to transition seamlessly from home to office.

The XPS 12 convertible that combines two devices in one, a powerful Ultrabook plus full featured tablet. The XPS brand has a distinguished heritage of delivering the latest technology and thoughtful design for performance and craftsmanship without compromise. Each product in the XPS portfolio is tailored for very specific customer needs, and the new products unveiled today are designed to take advantage of emerging software and technology, with the same XPS brand attributes that customers expect from Dell.

“The XPS 12 represents the culmination of a deep understanding of the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ movement and insights gained from both our consumer and business customers,” said Christopher Papa, Country Manager of Dell. “The new set of XPS 12 represents a milestone in our design and approach to user experience. Our vision for our XPS line of computers is not just about the device or technology, it’s about achieving the perfect balance of amazing design, end user productivity and IT enablement.”

Dell tapped its heritage of offering unique and innovative solutions to create the XPS 12. The product features a novel and elegant flip hinge touchscreen display designed to take advantage of the W8 operating system advances for touch interaction. The result is two products in one, providing the full functionality of an ultraportable laptop with keyboard plus the convenience of a tablet.

The innovative flip hinge design can easily transition from laptop to tablet to laptop and features a Full HD screen that provides 97 percent more pixels than a standard HD display. The result is an exceptionally crisp reading and photo and video viewing experience. The XPS 12 features thoughtful design, attractive aesthetics, and is crafted from premium materials such as machined aluminum and carbon fiber, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass for durability.

Quotes

“With Windows 8 reimagined, we are bringing a no-compromise, immersive and personalized experience to our customers,” said Mon De los Reyes of Microsoft Philippines. “The support from our partners is critical for the success of Windows 8. Dell is an important partner to Microsoft and we will continue to work together to transform lives through the power of computing technology.”

“Our life experiences are defined by our senses -- by what we see, hear and touch. These human senses are also at the foundation of Intel's vision for the Ultrabook to deliver a no-compromise, must-have computing experience and we congratulate Dell on the launch of its new touch enabled product range,” said Wowie Wong, Business Development Manager of Intel Philippines. “Dell has always been at the forefront of innovation in technology and we are glad to be a partner to Dell in the continuing evolution of the computing experience.”

Dell XPS 12 is priced P65,990.00 at authorized retailers nationwide.

On-site Service

All Dell products running with pre-attached Windows 8 come with an On-site Service. The on-site service is a new after-sales where a customer is rescued from problems encountered with the shortest turnaround.

“We want to make sure that we are able to attend to our customer right at their door steps. With the new system in place, response is within 24-48 hours as shared by Chris Papa.”

The steps is as easy as 123. 1. Call in Dell Tech Support at toll free 1-800-1601-0062. 2.Dell tech support to conduct diagnosis and determine the problem. 3. Dell Engineer on-site to solve the problem.

The Dell’s new on-site service is available nationwide.

Dell Extends Cloud Client Computing Portfolio to Asia-Pacific with New Solutions Validated by Citrix

Dell today is announcing an expansion of its end-to-end cloud client computing portfolio in Asia-Pacific. The new desktop virtualization and cloud client solutions are easy to deploy and support, and deliver a cost effective and highly secure way to enable any worker to use any app on any device.

Desktop Virtualization Solutions (DVS) Simplified Appliance

Dell is introducing Desktop Virtualization Solutions (DVS) Simplified Appliance in Asia-Pacific to specifically address the cost and complexity challenges of virtual desktop adoption. This solution is an easy, affordable, all-in-one desktop virtualization appliance for organizations looking to avoid the time and complexity involved in building out their VDI infrastructure.

It is uniquely designed to remove traditional cost and complexity barriers associated with deploying virtual desktop infrastructures. The simple integrated VDI appliance includes all the elements needed, can be set up in only a few hours, and scales seamlessly by simply adding and integrating more of the appliances.

The solution consists of a new 12^th generation Dell PowerEdge R720 rack server pre-configured with newCitrix VDI-in-a-Box™ 5.1 software and hypervisor components installed and ready-to-run,  backed by 3-year Dell ProSupport™ service. Dell also offers multiple purpose-built thin and zero clients certified for Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, including the Dell Wyse C10LE, D90D7, T10, and X90M7 thin clients, and the Xenith 2 zero client.A number of optional services will be available including JumpStart training, Remote Advisory Services, image creation, and others.

DVS Simplified and Dell Wyse endpoints are available in Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam.

New Dell Wyse Cloud Clients with Citrix HDX 3D Support

Dell, the worldwide market leader in thin clients¹, is announcing new support for Citrix HDX 3D technology for thin and zero clients, enabling organizations to virtualize and centrally deliver 3D graphics-intensive applications like CAD/CAM, 3D solids modeling, and HD multimedia. Citrix HDX 3D support is now available on the Dell Wyse D90D7 and Z90D7 Windows Embedded Standard 7 thin clients and the Dell Wyse Xenith 2zero client, based on the ultra-secure Wyse Zero firmware technology. 

The Dell Wyse Xenith 2 zero client, which is now shipping in Asia-Pacific, is purpose-built for Citrix XenDesktop® and VDI-in-a-Box blending the amazing cost benefits of the ARM System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture, with a non-Windows Citrix Receiver compatible client, developed in collaboration with Citrix.  Improving on the success of the original Xenith zero client, with 30 percent faster performance and lower power consumption, the result is a super secure, very affordable, true high-fidelity desktop experience.  For users requiring a diverse variety of applications, including HD multimedia, Dell Wyse Xenith 2 delivers a new standard in price and performance in a compact zero client and delivers an unprecedented combination of simplicity, performance and security for office-based workers.

Quotes

“Dell is pleased to expand our desktop virtualization solutions in the Philippines offering our customers the broadest portfolio of end-to-end cloud client computing offerings,” said Christopher Papa, country manager, Dell Philippines. “These new solutions enable us to offer our customers and channel partners even more choice in designing, implementing and managing their VDI solutions.” 

“With an increasingly mobile workplace, the demand for desktop virtualization is accelerating.  To address this need, Dell and Citrix are focused on delivering simple, repeatable, end-to-end solutions in the DVS portfolio that streamline deployment and management while expanding the addressable use cases,” said Krishna Subramanian, vice president of marketing and partner engagement at Citrix.